For the first time, the IPU has published a report which examines how parliaments around the world engage with issues of religion and belief. The IPU Parliamentary report on religion and belief explores how religion and belief are institutionalized in parliaments; for example, through legislation, representation, parliamentary committees and mechanisms for consultation with faith-based organizations or the […]
The IPU vehemently condemns the violent attack against Ugandan opposition MP, Susan Mugabi that took place on 21 April. According to the information received by the IPU, Ms. Mugabi was allegedly assaulted by the police, leaving her in a critical condition in hospital. Any physical attack on a parliamentarian is totally unacceptable. Violence against women […]
The Parliamentary Conference on Interfaith Dialogue: Working together for our common future will take place from 13 to 15 June 2023 in Marrakesh, Morocco. The Conference is organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the Parliament of the Kingdom of Morocco in cooperation with Religions for Peace, and with the support of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations and […]
Democracy requires that MPs are connected with their constituents, explaining their work to them and ensuring that constituents’ needs are represented. In Djibouti, one of the hottest and smallest countries in Africa, the IPU has been helping with that two-way exchange of information, connecting parliament with the people. First, it has enabled Djibouti’s parliamentarians to […]
In a statement released on twitter on 25 March, IPU President Duarte Pacheco said, “I strongly condemn the recently passed law in Uganda making it a crime identifying as gay, and imposes severe sentences, which includes in certain cases the the death penalty. This is an absolute disregard for human rights, a value that the IPU […]
At the 146th IPU Assembly in Manama, Bahrain this week, the IPU welcomed back the Liberian Parliament to its global parliamentary community. With the return of Liberia, IPU Membership now stands at 179 National Parliaments worldwide, with all African countries now represented.* Liberia was one of the nine founding members of the IPU along with Belgium, Britain, […]
Statement by the IPU Gender Partnership Group The IPU firmly believes that the equitable participation of women in politics is essential for strong democracies and for sustainable development. We stand in support of women’s political participation and representation in Nigeria, in the lead-up to elections to the National Assembly on 25 February 2023. However, we are […]
2022 was a turbulent year as the world felt the impacts of climate change and a new war in Europe with global repercussions, including a sharp spike in energy and food costs. Nevertheless, democracy pressed on, with scores of elections reshaping the future for millions of people worldwide. This year looks set to be just […]
A new law in Sierra Leone will ensure that at least 30% of parliamentarians are women and impose similar quotas in other institutions, including government, local councils, the diplomatic corps and the civil service. The Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act was signed into law by President Julius Maada Bio on 19 January, a few […]
On the eve of Human Rights Day, the IPU has released its annual global snapshot of the situation of threatened parliamentarians. A record number of 739 parliamentarians from 44 countries all over the world suffered violations of their fundamental rights this year. The 2022 figures represent an increase of nearly 10% compared to 2021 (673 MPs in 44 countries). They confirm a […]
